Clarkson sustained a broken orbital bone during a game against the Buffalo Sabres on Sept. 26.

Carlyle said defenseman Stephane Robidas, signed as a free agent this summer, will make his preseason debut Friday.

Robidas, 37, has not played since April 21, when he sustained a broken right leg playing for the Anaheim Ducks in Game 3 of the Western Conference First Round against the Dallas Stars. Robidas missed four months earlier last season when he sustained a broken right leg playing for the Stars.

"You just want to make sure it's one step at a time," Carlyle said. "I think it's important he gets an opportunity, and he felt it was of vast importance, for him to participate in an exhibition game."